TruthNews

Mayor Barkat Delays Ambitious Building Plans In Silwan

International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, 3 Mar 2010

After some coaxing by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat agreed to delay a plan that would have seen a number of illegally built Arab homes in the flashpoint neighborhood of Silwan demolished and new apartments erected for the residents.

Barkat had scheduled a press conference yesterday to explain his ambitious development plan for the controversial "King’s Garden" area, but relented after Netanyahu phoned and asked the mayor to allow more time to reach an understanding with local Arab residents, whom the city has been negotiating with for several months.

Barkat’s plan to revitalize a neglected section of Silwan would involve demolishing dozens of illegally built Arab homes deemed unsafe for habitation and building the residents new housing nearby, while a number of other Arab homes built without permits -- along with the Jewish-owned Beit Yehonathan apartment building -- would have been retroactively approved.

The municipality has touted the plan as a "pilot project to begin regulating building in east Jerusalem." The mayor’s plan also includes provisions for building a new commercial center, hotels and other tourist and residential infrastructure in the neighborhood, which abuts the "City of David" excavations -- a treasure trove of Israel’s ancient regal past.

The area under consideration is the "Gan Hamelech" or King’s Garden area of Silwan, described by one Israeli lawmaker as "the second most incendiary place after the Temple Mount." It is believed to be the place where King Solomon penned his biblical "Song of Songs."

A City Hall source admitted that the timing of the announcement is problematic because of the rioting last week in Hebron and the Old City of Jerusalem, but added that presenting the plans "clearly and transparently" was the best way to avoid future misunderstandings. But the Palestinian Authority and the UN were quick to condemn the plans.

Still, Barkat defended the plan in his press appearance yesterday, contending that "the area's infrastructure will be upgraded. A neglected area will become a successful area. It will be a win-win situation for all."